Eco-benevolent synthesis of ZnO nanoflowers using Oxalis corniculata leaf extract for potential antimicrobial application in agriculture and cosmeceutical

Abstract

Facile and eco-friendly approach for the convenient synthesis of inorganic nanomaterials offer tremendous bioactivities which can be exploited in various biomedical applications. Here, we established the simple way to synthesize the zinc oxide nanoflowers (ZnO NFs) using a well-known Ayurvedic herb “Oxalis corniculata”, which act as a potential bio-reducing agent. The present study articulated to promote the surface functionalization of nanoflowers using the bio-reductant reservoir of herbal plant extract. The phytochemical profile of plant extract assessed by HPLC method illustrates the presence of the bioactive reducing agent responsible for the synthesis of ZnO NFs. Also, the identified compound considered to be the most resourceful biomolecule that induced conductive charges to prevent clumping of nanoflowers. The physicochemical characterization of nanoflowers was performed by Uv–vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction technique. Further, its antimicrobial activity was confirmed against contagious gram positive and negative acne causing bacteria. These synthesized nanoflowers also showed antioxidant activity. Overall, our result demonstrates that these nanoflowers are endowed with valuable bioactive agents and promising great potential for cosmeceutical and agriculture applications.